Diseases & conditions A-Z List

Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «R»:

Routine sputum cultureRoutine sputum culture is a test of secretions from the lungs and bronchi (tubes that carry air to the lung) to look for bacteria that cause infection.
How the Test is Performed
You will cough deeply and spit any sputum into a sterile cup. The sputum is then taken to the laboratory. There, it is pl...

RPR testRPR (rapid plasma reagin) is a screening test for syphilis. It looks for antibodies that are present in the blood of people who have the disease.
The test is similar to the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from...

RSV antibody testRSV antibody test is a blood test that measures the levels of antibodies (immunoglobulins) against the viral infection respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ...

RubellaRubella is a contagious infection in which there is a rash on the skin.
Causes
The disease is caused by a virus that is spread through the air or by close contact.
A person can transmit the disease from 1 week before the rash begins, until 1 - 2 weeks after the rash disappears. The disease is less ...

Rubinstein-Taybi syndromeRubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by broad thumbs and toes, short stature, distinctive facial features, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
Causes
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a rare condition, affecting about 1 in 125,000 people. Most people with RTS have a defect...

Rumination disorderRumination disorder is a condition in which a person keeps bringing up food from the stomach into the mouth (regurgitation) and rechewing the food.
Causes
Rumination disorder usually starts after age 3 months, following a period of normal digestion. It occurs in infants and is rare in children and ...

Ruptured eardrumA ruptured or perforated eardrum is an opening in the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
Causes
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The eardrum vibrates when sound waves strike it.
Bones and nerve endings in the middle and inner parts of the ear then send a nerve ...

Russell-Silver syndromeRussell-Silver syndrome is a disorder present at birth that involves poor growth, low birth weight, short height, and differences in the size of the two sides of the body.
Causes
An estimated 7 - 10% of patients with this syndrome have a defect called the maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chrom...